As a composer, as a performer and as an arranger, Susan Weinert was world class.
Formed in 1985 and starting in Germany, the Susan Weinert Band soon moved on to Scandinavia, France, Belgium, Holland, Poland ... and the list kept growing, with a brief foray into the United States. And as they continued to perform in clubs and theatres, up to 170 times a year, the trio, consisting of Susan Weinert (guit), Martin Weinert (bass) and Hardy Fischötter (dr), had long grown to a single entity, with a single musical brain. The style and technique of the three individuals was characterized by the complete understanding each had for the other two, and by the common musical language they had developed. Susan’s compositions are characterized by creative versatility, freshness, a sense of humour, and a style drawing on jazz, rock, and funk. Since the mid-nineties, Susan toured not only with her trio but also with other groups, including the band of Chick Corea’s bass player Jimmy Earl and Steps Ahead. In addition, Susan and Martin Weinert were sought-after teachers for clinics and workshops. While her music is designed to give everyone an opportunity for improvisation, all the band members never used this freedom as a platform for mere exhibitionism. One thing comes through clearly from the brilliant solos, the sensitive melodies, the complex rhythmic jokes, and the solid grooves: this band took great pleasure in playing.
The guitarist died on 2 March 2020, suffering from cancer for a long time.